The epilepsies Support for education and learning: clinical case scenarios- children and young people with epilepsy February 2012 NICE clinical guideline 137

What this presentation covers Background Epidemiology Clinical case scenarios 1-4 o presentation o clinical decisions surrounding diagnosis and management Find out more

Background Epilepsy: common neurological disorder characterised by recurring seizures. The majority of people with active epilepsy can satisfactorily control recurrent seizures. Optimal management improves health outcomes and minimises detrimental impacts on health. Newer anti-epileptic drugs are currently being prescribed, so it is important that clinical and cost effectiveness are identified.

Epidemiology The epilepsies comprise the most common serious neurological disorders. Estimated to affect between 362,000 and 415,000 people in England. Estimated incidence: 50 per 100,000. Estimated prevalence of active epilepsy in the UK: 5−10 cases per 1000.

Case scenario 1, Leanne Presentation Leanne is a 6-year-old girl whose teachers have suggested that her parents take to her GP. They have noticed that she seems to have problems listening and to be daydreaming a lot in class. The GP asks whether her parents have also seen her daydream. Her mother has, but has not thought much about it. However, more recently, it seems to have been happening more frequently. On direct questioning by the GP, Leanne's mother thinks that these daydreams or ‘trances’ as she calls them sometimes occur when Leanne is in the middle of doing or saying something, and they interrupt her activity. Leanne’s birth and early medical history, including her development, have been normal. There was a history of epilepsy on her father’s side of the family. Her younger brother and older sister are well.

Case scenario Question What should Leanne's GP consider as a possible diagnosis?

1.1 Answer The GP should take a detailed history from Leanne and her parents and explore the 'trances' because they have experienced and witnessed them. This should determine whether an epileptic seizure is likely to have occurred. Diagnosis should not be based on the presence or absence of single features. The GP should consider a history of absence seizures. Leanne is the right age and gender for this relatively common childhood epilepsy syndrome. The frequent occurrence of the daydreams and the fact that they interrupt her activities are suspicious features of childhood-onset absence epilepsy. The positive family history is supportive but not diagnostic of this epilepsy syndrome. Childhood-onset absence epilepsy is classified as an idiopathic (presumed genetic) generalised epilepsy. Case scenario 1

1.1 Answer continued The GP could potentially confirm the diagnosis in the surgery. Children with typical absence seizures will often experience one of their absences during hyperventilation (over-breathing). However, hyperventilation usually has to be performed well and for at least 3 minutes to induce an absence. The GP should refer Leanne to a general paediatrician with an interest in epilepsy or a paediatric neurologist to establish the diagnosis. Case scenario 1

The paediatrician or paediatric neurologist takes a full history and examines Leanne. The history reveals that she is experiencing these episodes many times every day. When Leanne is encouraged to hyperventilate in the clinic, she has an absence during hyperventilation. 1.2 Question What further investigations should the paediatrician or paediatric neurologist request, and what considerations should be taken into account?

Case scenario Answer First, information should be given to Leanne and her parents about the reasons for further tests, and they should be carried out in a child-centred environment. An electroencephalogram (EEG) should be arranged and Leanne should have this test soon after it has been requested. Because the paediatrician or paediatric neurologist suspects that her seizures are epileptic in origin, the EEG should be performed to support a diagnosis of epilepsy. It should not be used in isolation to make a diagnosis of epilepsy. The healthcare professionals carrying out the EEG should encourage Leanne to hyperventilate, because this is one of the provocation techniques always undertaken during an EEG.

Case scenario 1 The EEG is abnormal, as in the vast majority of children with childhood- onset absence epilepsy. It ‘captures’ an absence seizure, particularly during hyperventilation. 1.3 Question The diagnosis of childhood-onset absence epilepsy is confirmed. What are the next steps?

Case scenario Answer The paediatrician or paediatric neurologist should discuss the diagnosis with Leanne and her parents. The discussion should focus on the likely cause (genetic), potential implications of frequent absences for Leanne (impaired concentration and therefore impaired learning, possible injury with continuing seizures), low risk of her developing other types of seizures (particularly tonic−clonic seizures) and likely response to anti-epileptic medication. This information should be provided in a suitable format. Details of the different sources of information available from voluntary organisations should also be given. Adequate time should be set aside for the discussion. Leanne and her parents should know how to contact a named individual of the healthcare team when further information is needed. Information on sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) should be included within the literature given to Leanne's parents. A comprehensive care plan should be agreed with Leanne and her parents. This should include lifestyle as well as medical issues.

Case scenario Question What should the discussion around medication include, and what AEDs may be prescribed?

Case scenario Answer The discussion on anti-epileptic medication should include the different medications that are available, and specifically ethosuximide, sodium valproate and lamotrigine, the evidence base for using these medications and their common and potentially unwanted side effects. Discussion should also include the likely outcome or prognosis of the epilepsy and specifically that it will go into spontaneous remission (that is, it will ‘go away’). The family should also be referred to a paediatric epilepsy nurse who can provide information and guidance on lifestyle and other non- medical issues.

Case scenario Answer continued Ethosuximide or sodium valproate should be offered as a first-line treatment. Be aware of the teratogenic risks of sodium valproate. Offer lamotrigine if the first-line AEDs are unsuitable, ineffective or not tolerated. If the first two AEDs are ineffective, consider a combination of two of these three AEDs as adjunctive treatment. If adjunctive treatment is ineffective or not tolerated, discuss with or refer to a tertiary epilepsy specialist and consider clobazam, clonazepam, levetiracetam, topiramate or zonisamide. Do not offer carbamazepine, gabapentin, oxcarbazepine, phenytoin, pregabalin, tiagabine or vigabatrin.

Case scenario 2, Christopher Presentation Christopher, a 13-month-old infant, presents to the accident and emergency department (A&E) of his local hospital with his first prolonged tonic−clonic afebrile seizure. He has experienced three febrile seizures in the past. The first two occurred at eight months of age due to a chest infection. They were prolonged, lasting over 15 minutes, and he required emergency medication and a three-day admission. The third febrile seizure was at nine months and associated with an upper respiratory tract infection. It only affected the left side of Christopher's body and lasted for over 30 minutes before it was stopped with intravenous lorazepam and intravenous phenytoin. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain scan and cerebrospinal fluid analysis are normal. His early development has been normal but he only started crawling at 12 months of age and he has no recognisable words. There is no family history of epilepsy.

Case scenario Question What should the A&E staff looking after Christopher consider as a possible diagnosis, and what investigations should be carried out to confirm this? Also what referrals, if any, should be made?

Case scenario Answer Christopher’s history is unusual for simple or complex febrile seizures and should raise the possibility of epilepsy. The features that suggest a diagnosis of Dravet syndrome (also known as severe myoclonic epilepsy of infancy) include age at onset, frequent and prolonged nature of the febrile seizures, recent development of a prolonged afebrile seizure and a background of possible developmental delay. Christopher should be referred for an EEG and an opinion from a paediatric neurologist. The EEG may be normal or show non-specific abnormalities. The paediatric neurologist should consider the possibility of Dravet syndrome and undertake a blood test for DNA analysis to look for a mutation in the alpha (α) subunit of the first neuronal sodium channel (SCNIA) gene. A mutation is found in at least 80% of children (and adults) with Dravet syndrome. An early diagnosis of Dravet syndrome establishes the cause of the Christopher's epilepsy and therefore avoids the need for him to undergo a number of investigations, some of which may be invasive.

Case scenario Question What else should be considered, and what information should be provided?

Case scenario Answer The diagnosis enables the paediatric neurologist to inform and counsel the family from an early stage about the medium- and long-term outcome of this genetic epilepsy and the likely (low) risk of other children being similarly affected. Children with Dravet syndrome usually experience multiple types of seizures, including focal, tonic−clonic, absence and myoclonic. The seizures are typically difficult to control and rarely if ever remit spontaneously. Affected children may also have moderate or severe learning and speech and language impairments. Giving this information helps parents to understand and accept their child’s problems early, and to better plan their education and their own immediate and future family life. The paediatric neurologist and other healthcare professionals caring for Christopher should adopt a consulting style that enables Christopher and his family to participate as partners in all decisions about his healthcare.

Case scenario Question What AED medication should the paediatric neurologist prescribe for Christopher?

Case scenario Answer The paediatric neurologist should consider sodium valproate or topiramate as a first-line treatment. They should discuss the treatment with a tertiary epilepsy specialist if first-line treatments are ineffective or not tolerated, and consider clobazam or stiripentol as adjunctive treatment. They should not offer carbamazepine, gabapentin, lamotrigine, oxcarbazepine, phenytoin, pregabalin, tiagabine or vigabatrin,

Case scenario 3, Charlie Presentation The parents of Charlie, an 8-month-old boy, visit the GP because they are concerned about some strange episodes he has been having over the previous three weeks. The episodes usually occur soon after he has woken but may sometimes happen as he is about to go to sleep. In these episodes his knees suddenly come up towards his chest, his arms bend at the elbows and his hands may clench. Each episode lasts a few seconds but they may occur repeatedly over many minutes. He is very upset after them. Over the past two weeks Charlie has become more irritable and has stopped showing any interest in his toys. His birth and perinatal period were normal. There is no family history of epilepsy.

Case scenario Question What steps should Charlie's GP take next?

Case scenario Answer Charlie’s GP should take a detailed history of precisely what happens in these episodes and ask if his parents have recorded any of them on a mobile phone. The GP should also include some questions about Charlie’s development and examine his skin for any birthmarks. Charlie’s GP should consider the possibility that he may be experiencing infantile spasms (also called ‘salaam attacks’). If there is any likelihood of this diagnosis, he must refer Charlie urgently to the local paediatric department, either by telephone or by fax. The GP should give information to Charlie's parents about how to recognise a seizure, first aid and the importance of reporting further attacks.

Case scenario 3 There is a possibility that Charlie may have experienced infantile spasms. Charlie's GP refers him to his local paediatric department urgently. 3.2 Question What should the paediatrician or paediatric neurologist do next?

Case scenario Answer The paediatrician or paediatric neurologist should see Charlie as soon as possible because he may have infantile spasms (West syndrome). Examination should include measurement of Charlie’s head circumference, ultraviolet examination of his skin (to look for evidence of tuberous sclerosis) and a brief assessment of his development and visual behaviour. The paediatrician is fairly sure that Charlie is experiencing infantile spasms and may have West syndrome.

Case scenario Question What further investigations should Charlie have, and what information should be given to his parents about these?

Case scenario Answer An EEG should be carried out as soon as possible and preferably within 24−48 hours. Ideally, it should be performed in both the waking and sleeping state. Charlie should also have an MRI brain scan. Depending on the results of the MRI, additional investigations may be necessary, including blood, urine and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analyses. Charlie's parents should be given information on the reasons for these tests, their results and meaning. The requirements and logistics for each test should also be explained.

Case scenario 3 Charlie’s EEG shows hypsarrhythmia, the characteristic EEG patterns seen in infants with infantile spasms, thereby confirming that he has West syndrome. The long-term developmental outcome of infants with West syndrome is primarily dependent on the underlying cause. However, because West syndrome is a type of ‘epileptic encephalopathy’, which means that the frequency of the spasms and the EEG appearance of hypsarrhythmia may adversely affect the long-term developmental outcome, it is important to treat infants as soon as the diagnosis of infantile spasms (West syndrome) is made. 3.4 Question Charlie’s MRI brain scan will be undertaken in a few days. What treatment options should the paediatrician or paediatric neurologist offer his parents, and what information should they be given?

Case scenario Answer The paediatrician or paediatric neurologist should offer either vigabatrin or a corticosteroid. Charlie's parents should be given information on epilepsy in general as well as on infantile spasms. Medications, side effects, management, education and SUDEP should also be discussed. Adequate time should be set aside at consultation to provide this information and it should be given in a format suited to Charlie's parents.

Case scenario 4, Suzanne Presentation Suzanne, a 10-year-old girl presents to A&E reported to have had a generalised tonic−seizure while on an aeroplane from Australia. It has stopped by the time she is seen by the ambulance staff, and she has fully recovered by the time she reaches the hospital. Past medical history Suzanne's delivery was normal and full term. Early developmental milestones were achieved at a similar time to her older sister. She had recurrent otitis media between 2 and 5 years of age. There have been no concerns since starting school. On examination Suzanne is fully orientated in time and space. She is apyrexial. There is no focal neurological deficit.

Case scenario Question What should the casualty officer do?

Case scenario Answer Suzanne should be seen by the paediatrician on duty before discharge if full examination reveals no concern. Her parents should be given advice on what to do if a further seizure occurs. An appointment should be offered within 2 weeks with a designated paediatrician (with an expertise in epilepsy) for further evaluation and possible diagnosis.

Case scenario 4 The paediatrician with an expertise in epilepsy obtains further history. Suzanne was sleeping when her mother noticed her face contorting to one side. Then her right arm stiffened and jerked, and soon this involved her whole body. It lasted for about 2 minutes, and she did not come around fully for a further 15 minutes. Her mother reports no other history of note although when asked specifically about sleep disturbance, she mentions that Suzanne has come into her bedroom on two occasions in the previous 4 months being unable to speak or move her right arm. On both occasions this has appeared to resolve spontaneously within a couple of minutes. There is no other previous history of note. Suzanne is progressing well at school and there is no family history. 4.2 Question What investigation(s) should be performed?

Case scenario Answer A wake EEG should be requested. This shows spikes over the centrotemporal areas bilaterally. A diagnosis of benign epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes is made. The paediatrician explains there is no need for neuroimaging.

Case scenario Question What other information should be given to the family so that a decision about treatment can be made?

Case scenario Answer The diagnosis should be fully explained to Suzanne and her family. This includes the likely prognosis and the debate around whether or not treatment is required. The risks of epilepsy (including injury and SUDEP) versus the risks of treatment (side effects or idiosyncratic reactions) should be discussed. A decision about whether treatment is required will be based on frequency of seizures, risk and the wishes of Suzanne and her parents. If they decide that she should have treatment, then there should be a discussion as to whether the family wish to start treatment with carbamazepine or lamotrigine.

Case scenario Question How long should the treatment be continued for?

Case scenario Answer The prognosis for this syndrome is that children are likely to be in remission by the age of 14 years. Therefore, should Suzanne remain seizure-free, a discussion should be undertaken with the family about the best time for her medication to be gradually withdrawn and then stopped, probably around the age of 13 years.

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